Microsoft commented yesterday that the price of Xbox Live Gold Membership, required for online gaming and access to certain features such as Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm on the 360, was going to be raised in price $5 to $10. Since Derek and I were too busy trying to pick our jaws up off the floor at the sheer stupidity of this, we’ve got guest blogger Anthony Wittock to tell you how we feel.
I was flabbergasted this afternoon when I learnt from friends that Microsoft Xbox 360′s pointguard Major Nelson (Larry Hryb) announced on his blog that Microsoft will be upping the price for their subscription paid service in five countries: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Canada. It will take effect on November 1, 2010.
Now, I have been an avid and loyal Xbox 360 customer for over two years. I have vouched for their system and their online community to friends in the market for getting a new system even after my horrible Red Ring of Death experience (a story I will enlighten you for another time even thinking about it still warms up my blood).
In the United Kingdom and here in Canada we have been treated somewhat fairly (and lucky). The only thing affected is the monthly subscribers. I find Mexico still gets the best deal for a year subscription but I could be wrong. I tweeted one of my Mexican gamer friends for some clarification. It averages out to about $40 CAD yearly in Mexico so it’s cheaper in Canadian/American/British eyes of course.
I feel sorry for my American gaming sisters and brothers the most though! Holy effin’ shit, man! Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly American subscribers are seriously being fucked over. American Gold Members are going to be charged $9.99 – two WHOLE dollars more. Quarterly subscribers face a five dollar increase while yearly subscribers suffer a ten dollar increase. I don’t think this is fair at all. Microsoft would be rewarding yearly subscribers for their worth! Like c’mon Microsoft!
They are the only subscription paid service for online gaming compared to their competitors. But is it worth the extra buck or two? I do hope we are compensated for this. Like more content, dammit and DLC prices are lowered but I doubt it.
Anthony Wittrock is on Twitter at @texameradian and (in)freuqently blogs at http://blog.anthonywittrock.com.
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